UNDERSTANDING THE INFLUENCE OF HOME LEARNING ENVIRONMENT ON CHILDREN’S LITERACY DEVELOPMENT: A CASE STUDY BETWEEN TWO FAMILIES IN AN INDIAN VILLAGE

Abstract

The "home learning environment" encompasses learning activities undertaken by parents and children at home, reflecting formal and informal values, beliefs, and attitudes. Napoli and Purpura (2018) conceptualize it as comprising the home literacy environment (HLE) and the home numeracy environment (HNE). This environment significantly influences children's literacy development. Adopting a qualitative research approach, this paper explores the dynamics of the home learning environment and its impact on literacy development in India. Findings emphasize the critical roles of parenting and HLE in developing essential competencies in young children. A disparity is noted between middle-class and lower-middle-class families, presenting an opportunity for community members, teachers, and NGOs to support the latter.

Keywords: home learning environment; children; literacy; literacy development